Student Spotlight: Andrew Scheffel
Current MEM student, Andrew Scheffel, is originally from Elk Grove Village, IL. Andrew finished his undergrad at Northwestern University in 2012 with a major in Mechanical Engineering, and returned back to the campus for the MEM program in 2016. He currently works as the Senior Mechanical Engineer at Siemens Medical Solutions-Molecular Imaging Division. In his downtime, Andrew enjoys traveling, playing tennis and doing yoga, and he discovered his favorite restaurant, Noma, in Copenhagen, Denmark. We asked about his experience with MEM and how it has impacted his career:
What Made you Decide to Pursue a MEM Degree?
As an undergrad in the co-op program at NU, I learned firsthand the immense benefits of combining educational theory with professional application. Within a few years of graduating, I was looking for any and all opportunities to accelerate my learning and take on higher level challenges within my company.
Keeping my undergrad experience in mind, I discovered that the part-time MEM degree offered the type of business and managerial instruction I had been seeking while allowing me to immediately implement what I’d learn. Returning to Northwestern has been an added plus; it’s great to be back home.
Favorite Class or Professor, Why?
To me, each class is one piece of a larger puzzle. While each is certainly valuable on its own, seeing the way the pieces mesh together to form the bigger picture is what I most enjoy.
What Do You Think is the Best Part About MEM:
The learning opportunities are limitless. MEM’s courses and professors not only offer a world-class education, but they also cultivate new mindsets when it comes to multi-faceted, real world problems. Beyond the formal lessons of the curriculum, being able to work alongside such a diverse, experienced, and driven peer group offers many chances to tap into the collective know-how and gain insight into other industries.
How Do You Think your Experience Will Contribute to this Program?
By deepening my connection with NU, I hope to continue to bring together the academic and corporate spheres. My goal is to serve as a conduit for spreading awareness of what both the MEM program and Siemens have to offer while exploring opportunities for continued collaboration.
How Do You Think MEM Will/Have Contribute(d) To Your Career?
Through just a few courses in the MEM program, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to broaden my responsibilities beyond my current role. Leveraging what I’ve learned about financials, product/process development, and corporate strategy has made me a better engineer and opens up new doors for personal and professional growth.
Word of Advice to Future Students:
To quote Professor Semb, get comfortable being uncomfortable. While most, if not all, of us would be more comfortable taking elective courses that suit our strengths, you can’t go wrong by branching out into unfamiliar, challenging territory. Enjoy the road less traveled.
